<p>Current School: Pace University
Entering as: Sophomore
High School GPA: 3.7
College GPA: 2.8
SAT/ACT Scores: SAt 1530
SAT II Scores: N/A
Significant ECs: Community Service, Intramural Soccer, various clubs
Hooks: Good essay, visited and met with admissions, received an award in H.S for handwork chosen by a guidance counselor
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Applied to: SUNY Albany, St. Joseph’s University, and Brynt University
Accepted: SUNY Albany, St. Joseph’s University, and Brynt University
Waitlisted: None
Rejected: None :)</p>
<p>Attending: Bryant University</p>
<p>Comments: Didn’t do so well in my first year, but I worked hard on my personal essay and common app essay and I believe that’s what made the difference. Can’t wait to FINALLY start college for real this time haha.</p>
<p>Current School:Santa Barbara City College
Entering as:Junior
High School GPA: 3.7
College GPA:3.76
SAT/ACT Scores: N/A
SAT II Scores: N/A
Significant ECs:</p>
<p>Member of Phi Theta Kappa honors society.
Interned at a solar energy company.
Volunteer work in Tecate, Mexico.
Environmental club.
Marketing internships.</p>
<p>Current School: Sacramento City College
Entering as: Junior
High School GPA: I’d rather not
College GPA: 4.0
SAT/ACT Scores: (See HS GPA)
SAT II Scores: (See HS GPA)
Significant ECs: Intern at Congressional Office, bunch of leadership positions, honors, awards.
Hooks: Not sure, maybe GPA + ECs?
US/Intl: U.S.</p>
<p>Applied to: UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis
Accepted: All
Waitlisted: None
Rejected: None</p>
<p>Likely Attending: UC Berkeley</p>
<p>Comments: I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to Cal. Plus, I’m from NorCal so its only a short drive away. Love the campus and the programs.</p>
<p>Current School: Northern Virginia Community College
Entering as: Junior
High School GPA: 3.0
College GPA: 3.6 (3.7 in a week!)
SAT/ACT Scores: 2000 SAT
SAT II Scores: Lit - 710 I think? And a pretty lousy Math score (550? 560?)
Significant ECs: Psychology Club Officer. Campus Council Student Rep. PTK Officer. Student Ambassador. Internship (Not yet started).
Hooks: None
US/Intl: US-VA</p>
<p>Applied to: JMU, Virginia Tech, UVA
Accepted: All three
Waitlisted:
Rejected:</p>
<p>Current School: Boston University
Entering as: Sophomore
High School GPA: 4.1
College GPA: 3.75
SAT/ACT Scores: 2070 SAT
SAT II Scores: 710 English, 640 Math II (I think…)
Significant ECs: College - Newspaper, radio station, theater, fashion club.
High school - literary magazine, theater, peer leader, Cappies, won school arts award.
Hooks: None.
US/Intl: US - VA</p>
<p>Applied to: NYU, Vassar, Skidmore, Smith, William & Mary, UNC-Chapel Hill, Rice, Pitzer, Scripps
Accepted: So far, 3/3! William & Mary, Rice, UNC-CH. Haven’t heard back from the others yet.
Waitlisted: N/A
Rejected: N/A</p>
<p>Likely Attending: As of now, I’m leading towards Rice, but we’ll see :)</p>
<p>Comments: I was really unsure of whether I’d get in, but I’m doing way better than I thought I would, and actually way better than I did for freshman admissions. Maybe transferring is easier?</p>
<p>Current School: Pasadena City College
Entering as: Sophomore/Junior
High School GPA: 2.8ish
College GPA: 3.9
SAT/ACT Scores: SAT 2260, ACT 34
SAT II Scores: Lit, Bio, Am History 730 (yeah… lol)
Significant ECs: None really.
Hooks: N/A
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Current School: Temple University
Entering as: Sophomore
High School GPA: 3.8
College GPA: 3.75
SAT/ACT Scores: SAT : critical reading 710, math 500, writing 750
SAT II Scores: crappy and irrelevant, as most of the places I applied to didn’t ask for them!
Significant ECs: worked on a couple of interesting stories with my school’s newspaper multimedia component (filmed a Bill Clinton rally, and me and the other people assigned to it got to interview PA senatorial candidate Joe Sestak), leadership position in an education club, lots of teaching ECs from high school, compensated blogger when I was in high school, taking care of my father who has Alzheimer’s, volunteer stuff, etc.
Hooks: URM, probably my essay (I spent a lot of time researching why I wanted to go to the schools I got into)
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Applied to: Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Agnes Scott, Hollins, NYU, Bryn Mawr, and Grinnell
Accepted: Hampshire, Smith, Agnes Scott, Hollins
Waitlisted: Mount Holyoke
Rejected: N/A
Waiting: Bryn Mawr and Grinnell
Withdrawn: NYU</p>
<p>Likely Attending: ???</p>
<p>Comments: Long story short, Smith’s acceptance got all screwed up and financial aid accidentally sent me my aid offer long before I was supposed to have my acceptance. Drama ensued, and I plunked on the idea of attending Agnes Scott. Now, come to find out, I really am admitted to Smith! But I truly adjusted to the idea of attending ASC (and sent in my deposit), so basically I have no idea what I want to do.</p>
<p>Current School: St Mary’s College of Maryland
Entering as: Sophomore
High School GPA: UW: 3.6 W: 4.3
College GPA: 4.0
SAT/ACT Scores: M: 610, CR: 640, W: 690
SAT II Scores: USH: 600, Bio-E: 660
Significant ECs: Founder/President of HS snowboard club, Officer of outdoors/ski club, Water polo/Crew team,Student Ambassador, Captain of Swim team, MVP on swim team, 4 years Varsity Cross Country, SGA, VP of Class
Hooks: None
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Applied to: Virginia Tech, UMD (instate), William and Mary, UNC, UVA
Accepted: VT, UMD, W&M, UNC, UVA (All of them)
Waitlisted: None
Rejected:None </p>
<p>Likely Attending: UVA :)</p>
<p>Comments: Really surprised that I got in. My stats are on the lower end for UVA, W&M, and UNC so that was really cool that I made it. I was actually rejected by UVA last year when I was a HS senior so it felt really good to get in this time. I definitely think my EC’s, Professor Rec, and essays tipped the scale in my favor as I know people with similar stats who were rejected/wait listed.</p>
<p>it might be helpful for people to post if they applied for financial aid (if they are comfortable doing so) since a lot of transfer admissions are not need blind. just a thought</p>
<p>Current School: Rather not say Entering as: Sophomore High School GPA: 3.2 College GPA: 3.2 SAT/ACT Scores: <1500 SAT II Scores: <500 Significant ECs: federal internships, student government Hooks: none US/Intl: U.S.</p>
<p>Applied to: VT, others but I’m committing to VT Accepted: VT Waitlisted: Rejected:</p>
<p>Current School: New York University
Entering as: Sophomore
High School GPA: 3.65
College GPA: 3.3
SAT/ACT Scores: 26
SAT II Scores:
Significant ECs: My resum</p>
<p>Current School: Yeshiva University (US News #50)
Entering as: Junior
High School GPA: 3.12
College GPA: 3.73
SAT/ACT Scores: 2070
SAT II Scores:
Significant ECs: Created business which got 9 investors, published book about to be for sale. Lead two fundraising events that each made profit of over $3,000.
Hooks: I don’t know - I would say someone applying for entrepreneurship with real experience.
US/Intl: From St. Louis Missouri</p>
<p>Applied to: NYU (Stern), Wash U, Cornell, Penn
Accepted:
Pending: NYU, Penn
Rejected: Wash U, Cornell</p>
<p>Likely Attending: Only have two left to possible get into, Penn sounds unlikely. </p>
<p>Comments:</p>
<p>1) Colleges really dont seem to look much past grades
2) biggest mistake with transfering was that from the outset of entering my current college I should have seen what courses were expected to have been completed before transfering. I fear that may be a determining factor if a school can look through the rest of your application or not.</p>
<p>Current School: Raritan Valley Community College Entering as: Junior High School GPA: 3.97 College GPA: 4.0 SAT/ACT Scores: SATs were terrible - 1800, 32 on the ACTs SAT II Scores: N/A Significant ECs:
Took part in 2 research projects
Student Leader - tutor students in specific students
Community Service
Leadership Positions Galore
Honor Society Hooks:
Took my time to write an essay that stood out, I think
Indian
Research projects
Made sure to highlight both academics as well as recreation which, I think, is vital US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Applied to: TCNJ, Rutgers, Cornell (CALS), Boston University, NYU Accepted: TCNJ, Rutgers, Cornell, BU Waitlisted: Rejected: Pending: NYU</p>
<p>Likely Attending: Cornell, it was my first choice! :D</p>
<p>Comments: I kind of resented starting off at a community college but looking back now, I’ve gotta say that it’s definitely benefited me a lot. There were a lot of resources to ensure that students got an A and learned the material. I’ve definitely saved a lot of money by going to community college.
Although sometimes, I tended to just focus on class and getting work done and doing well, it’s definitely super important to get out and do research or community service or get a leadership position since that way, the 4 year colleges are positive that you will make the best of the environment and opportunities they offer. They’re not looking for simply intelligent people, they want all-rounders.</p>
<p>Current School: Purdue University
Entering as: Junior
High School GPA: 3.8
College GPA: 3.83
SAT/ACT Scores: 2100, did not submit to Cornell and Northwestern
SAT II Scores: N/A
Significant ECs:
–10 weeks summer internship at Accenture
–1 year Co-Op at Technicolor SA
–Published the paper about solar cells as 2th Author in Journal of Physical Chemistry in April 2011.
–Purdue Chinese Consulting Club Co-Founder
–Many other community volunteers.
–Purdue Honor School
Recommendations:
– Two from my research professors who helped me publish my first paper on Journal. The third one is from my internship manager in my current company Technicolor SA.
US/Intl: Intl</p>
<p>Comments: UC Berkeley admitted heavily (90%) from the California Community Colleges per my rejection letters. I guess it’s gonna be very tough for every OOS and INTL applicants to transfer to UC Berkeley. Cornell is my top choice and I spent most time working on the essay for Cornell. My college GPA is not outstanding comparing to other applicants, but I guess my essay, work and research experience really got me into the Cornell.</p>
<p>Current School: Irvine Valley College
Entering as: junior transfer
High School GPA: I think somewhere between 2.5 and 2.6
College GPA: 2.88
SAT/ACT Scores: N/A
SAT II Scores: N/A
Significant ECs: choir, clubs, volunteering at animal shelter
Hooks: raised by single mother, first language is not English, first-generation American, Student who is not now and does not plan to become a member of a social fraternity or sorority, other than an honor society
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Applied to: UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego
Accepted: UC Davis
Waitlisted: None
Rejected: UC Irvine, UC San Diego</p>
<p>Likely Attending: UC Davis, duh.</p>
<p>Comments: I’m sad to have gotten rejected from UC Irvine, since that’s close to home. :(</p>
<p>Current School: Arizona State University
Entering as: Junior
Major: Philosophy and Physics
High School GPA: 4.0
College GPA: 3.7 (so far - I expect my GPA to be higher once this semester’s final grades are posted).
ACT Score: 31
SAT II Scores: N/A
Significant ECs:
Published Poet
Published Essayist
Manage a University Project
Award-winning violinist
Have worked either full or part-time every semester since I was twelve
Philosophy Club
Studio violinist
Hooks: I’ve been taking graduate seminars, and have a 4.0 grad seminar GPA, which definitely helped me get into certain schools - really hard work, but def. worth it!
US/Intl: US (Arizona)</p>
<p>Applied to: SUNY Buffalo, Rutgers, NYU, UVA, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Penn, Cornell
Accepted: SUNY Buffalo, Rutgers, NYU, UVA, Penn
Waitlisted: None
Rejected: Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, and Cornell</p>
<p>Likely Attending: PENN!! </p>
<p>Comments: I’m very, very blessed to have gotten into Penn - totally didn’t expect it after being rejected by all the other Ivies. Several things, I think, counted against me, including being homeschooled through highschool, having to withdrawal from my first semester freshman year due to the death of my dad (who passed away the first day of classes), and getting several B’s the next semester of freshman year because I was working 40+ hours a week to help support my family.</p>
<p>Current School: College of the Siskiyous
Entering as: Junior
Major: Environmental Engineering, except for UC Davis which only offers CivE
High School GPA: 4.30 (Weighted) / Too lazy to calculate unweighted
College GPA: 2.93 (2003-06), 4.00 (2009-present), 3.35 (cumulative)
AP Scores: English Lit (4), Calc AB (5), Phyiscs B (5), US History (3)
SAT/ACT Scores: 800V, 750M, 730W
SAT II Scores: 760 Physics, 780 Math II, 740 Bio E/M
Significant ECs: HS: Four years of concert, marching, and jazz band; Drum Major; Academic Decathlon with four State medals; service at my place of worship; 400+ hours volunteering at local cable TV station. College: Co-president of the philosophy club; soloist in concert and jazz band; math/physics tutor.
Hooks: Father dead, mother chronically ill since 2nd grade… didn’t talk about it on most apps.
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Recommendations: Two from current professors, one was absolutely fantastic, the other I haven’t read but know it would have been positive and fair.
Essays: Personal very strong, some other prompts fairly good, “why $school” prompts decent but not amazing.</p>
<p>Comments: At my first school (Berklee College of Music) I failed 5 of 7 classes in my last semester because I quit after the middle of the semester and couldn’t withdraw, which took 0.40 points off my GPA. I worked for a few years, got married, and got back into school at a community college. Was only planning to apply to HSU at this point but I started to think I could do better, and it turned out I was right. Good luck to future applicants; just because I didn’t get into Stanford doesn’t mean you can’t.</p>
<p>Current School: Cornell
Entering as: Sophomore
Major: Urban Studies (not 100% on this though)
High School GPA: 3.95
College GPA: 3.92
ACT Scores: 32
SAT II Scores: Didn’t submit
Significant ECs: HS: Editor of HS yearbook, President of community service club, hundreds of volunteering hours at a local hospital, Student Rep on school board, part-time job. College: Junior editor of literary journal, Layout editor of a campus magazine, participated in various clubs (not huge commitment on this one), campus job
US/Intl: US</p>
<p>Recommendations: Both excellent.
Essays: All very strong. Common App was creative but effectively persuasive, and school specific essays were SPECIFIC.</p>
<p>Applied to: UPenn, Columbia
Accepted: UPenn, Columbia
Waitlisted:
Rejected: </p>
<p>Likely Attending: Depends on fin aid </p>
<p>Comments: I applied to two schools not because I hated my current institution, but rather because their academic programs better suit my needs. I think having clear academic reasons, and personal reasons if you have them, to transfer to a top school is crucial (I do not believe I got in because I already go to an Ivy, or something). I was ready to return to Cornell in the fall, but now I am incredibly thankful I went through the process and have options. I think some people are afraid to attempt a transfer (at least from a top x university/college) if they’re not 100% hating their current school, which I think is a shame. But I’m also fairly indecisive so it might just be my personality. Good luck to future transfers! Feel free to PM or whatever if you have questions.</p>
<p>Current School: Cuesta College
Entering as: Junior
Major: Kinesiology
High School GPA:
College GPA: 3.5
SAT/ACT Scores:
SAT II Scores:
Significant ECs: Volunteer at Childrens Hospital
Hooks: I currently have a job in the field I want to go into, and have all the pre-req’s done for Kinesiology transfers.
US/Intl:</p>
<p>Applied to: Cal Poly SLO, Sac State, San Jose State
Accepted: Cal Poly, Sac State, San Jose State
Waitlisted: N/A
Rejected: N/A</p>
<p>Likely Attending: I will be attending Cal Poly SLO :)</p>
<p>Current School: National University of Singapore
Entering as: Junior
High School GPA: N/A, 6 Distinctions at A levels, and a C for Chinese.
College GPA: 4.19 weighted out of 5.0
SAT/ACT Scores: 750CR, 800M, 740W
SAT II Scores: 800 Math II, 800 Physics
Significant ECs: Leadership positions in several clubs/groups/event organising committees, Acted in a play, sang in an a cappella group, editor for an undergrad journal, overseas summer programme to Mexico, volunteer for a local AIDS organisation
Hooks: Nothing. This would be my 3rd time applying to the US, including freshmen admissions
US/Intl: Intl, Singapore</p>
<p>Likely Attending: Brown. I’ve waited for this for so long.</p>
<p>Comments: </p>
<p>I think my essays this time round were decent, compared to the previous times. In particular, my Brown and Chicago supplementary essays were two of my favorite to write. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was 16 (I’m now 23; 2 years national service), and it’s just so unreal.</p>
